We have about 35% Hispanic students, and we have been trying very hard to find ways to get those families involved. One thing that we did this year was add a second VP to our PTSO Board ...VP of Latin Relations. She makes sure that all our flyers, etc. are sent out in spanish to the ESL students, and also makes public service announcements for our events on the local public radio station in spanish and in the spanish language section of our local paper. That being said, it is still really hard to get any hispanic families involved. The one event that has, however, been a HUGE hit with the hispanic community is "Telluride Idol", which is an annual lip sync and talent competition. The kids can "sing" in either english or spanish, and we get a big turnout with our entire community. If you do something like this, please be aware that the entry form HAS to be in both languages. Many of the kids and most of the parents don't speak english well enough to read the details, and culturally I've been informed that the parents want to know exactly what the event is before they will allow their kids to participate.

Zuma - ask your principal if there are homes that are spanish speaking only & what that percentage is. YOu may have to offer all your memos 2 sided with one being spanish. maybe your school's spanish teacher can translate all memos of the PTO into spanish for you or put a call out there for a parent that is bilingual to assist the PTO in doing this. It will help your communication gap to those families.

We have a similar issue at our elementary school (60% hispanic).
We are fortunate that we have a district sponsored interpreter at our Back-to-School nights and Open House functions. While this is very helpful in getting out the message of these particular events, my challenge as the Parent Oganization "president" (who speaks very limited Spanish), is to continue this communication after these events. Currently there are only two of us who make up the parent organization....membership is a priority this 07-08 school year and we are feeling especially challenged by this communication gap.
Any ideas or similar experiences would be appreciated.

A special flyer could be sent home written in spanish announcing your presence as well as assistance with any other school-related issue. You may find that there are parents that only speak spanish. Although they are there for back to school night, they may not understand any of what is said in the speeches that evening. However, if your vice principal or a teacher delegate were to be there with you to speak to parents in spanish and interpret, they be more receptive about coming, asking questions, & getting involved.

Unfortunately, more and more immagrants are not learning the english language and schools have to make decisions. Our schools are making it mandatory for all grades k-8 to take spanish, but spanish speaking children entering school do not have to know how to speak english. It's becoming a sore subject due to the double standard.

Maybe you could also provide information about spanish>english classes held in your area to assist parents that only speak spanish to learn english and become more comfortable with their child's life in the english speaking schools.

Something I have done when I want to get a message to
parents is having the Principal mention it in the morning announcements.
Kids want their parents to be involved, let them convey the message about
your booth. This has often helped when I need extra help for PTO events.
Give it a try, it can't hurt...................Rose

This is an awesome idea. Two years ago the PTPA at my child's school addressed the need for access to information for Spanish-speaking parents at PTPA meetings. They reserved a table solely for them and a spanish interpreter (aka parent volunteer, me) to simultaneously interpret the meeting for them. I am studying to be an interpreter so I welcomed the opportunity to put my learned skills to work.
I think that if you were to announce this booth idea of yours prior to Back to School Night with the help of the school's PTO, announce it at a PTO meeting, or have the Principal introduce you at B2SN I think you'll get a response. I know a handful of parents who would never think to go to a meeting or to ask for a conference with a teacher because of the language barrier, but with people like you out there I'm sure they will. Good luck. I would love to see your brochures.